About the Chamber

About the Chamber

The Brunswick Heads Chamber of Commerce was established in 1997 and incorporated in 1998, as the peak business organisation for Brunswick Heads. There are 116 businesses in the village, plus an additional 15 or so known home businesses.

Membership The Chamber of Commerce has a consistent membership base of more than 90 businesses. It offers services and support to a wide variety of small to medium sized tourism, retail, hospitality and professional shop front operations, plus many home businesses.

Relationship with the community In its choice and implementation of economic revitalisation initiatives, the Chamber is mindful of its responsibility to the wider community, and considers that Brunswick’s fragile environment and cultural diversity are important assets to be protected.

Because of its small size, the economic, social and environmental needs are difficult to separate - community prosperity and business prosperity go hand in hand. The Chamber fulfils a leadership and stewardship role, and drives and co-ordinates many ofthe planning processes and town projects, with input from the community and the assistance of the various sub-committees. By working together, the whole community has been empowered and we have been able to achieve outcomes that would otherwise not have been possible.

The Chamber facilitates, co-ordinates and works co-operatively with a range of government departments, community organisations and individuals to design the best possible outcomes for the business community while staying true to the vision and values of the Brunswick Heads community.

Because of a lack of resources, the Chamber has had to become more and more entrepreneurial to achieve its objectives. Using this approach it has been able to harness and leverage enthusiasm, skills and experience, funding, income streams, sponsorship and in kind support to deliver important outcomes.

As a non-profit association, the Chamber is guided by a constitution, which is an adaption of the standard Model Rules for Incorporated Associations. At the AGM held each year in February an Executive Committee is elected by its members to oversee the strategy and management of the organisation on behalf of the members. A small casual part-time team of paid staff assist when required with the operational side of the Chamber and its Visitor Centre. A number of volunteer sub-committees and Task Forces (6-10 at any one time) co-ordinate events and projects on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Mission Statement

To foster a dynamic local business sector, encouraging sustainable and innovative business development in line with the community’s vision for Brunswick Heads.

Guiding principles

In 2008 the set of guiding principles used to develop the Tourism Management Strategy were refined to cover the direction and operation of the Chamber. These principles underpin all the projects, events and campaigns run by the Chamber and provide guidance on dealing with issues.

What does the Chamber do?

We are aiming to maintain, protect, enhance & support the town and build sustainable prosperity for our businesses through a multi-pronged approach via:

By pooling its resources and working with partners, the Chamber of Commerce is able to offer its members many services, benefits and opportunities. Communication to the membership is via:

Hand delivered quarterly newsletters

Online Newsletters every 2-3 weeks

Regular online updates

Networking functions

Social gatherings, fundraisers and launches

Surveys

Personal contact by the Executive Officer

Partners

Government The Chamber has an excellent working relationship with Industry and Investment NSW, who have supported the town's economic revitalisation programme with grant funding for events, projects, strategic plans, surveys, the “Simple Pleasures” branding and marketing campaign and the establishment and sustainability of the Visitor Centre/Project Office. Land and Property Management Authority and DECC, Tourism NSW, Northern Rivers Tourism, to name just a few, are also partners on events, projects and issues.

Byron Shire Council The Byron Shire Council is slowly developing an Economic Development Unit. The Chamber liaises with the Economic Development Officer and the Tourism Research Officer on a regular basis to share information, resolve issues and progress economic development projects.

Community organsiations The Chamber works in partnership with many of the town's 40 community organisations, including the Brunswick Heads Progress Association, Rotary Club, Brunswick Heads Surf Club, Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad etc. on projects, workshops, events and fundraisers.

Other Chambers The Chamber of Commerce has close links with the other Chambers of Commerce in the Shire, coming together to resolve issues or collectively progress opportunities of common interest.

Byron Chamber of Commerce

Bangalow Chamber of Commerce

Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce

Ocean Shores Community Association

Arts and Industry Focus Group

Corporate Sponsors

The many festivals, events, projects and brochures which the Chamber initiates and co-ordinates would not be possible without the support of the hundreds of generous sponsors over the years. Of special note are our Brunswick Heads Visitor Centre Corporate Sponsors which make its survival possible.